Francis J. Stecklair passed peacefully to the Lord on July 22, 2025, spending his final hours in the comforting presence of his loving family.
Frank was born in Philadelphia in 1931 to Josephine (Kelly) and Francis G. Stecklair. He was one of six children: sisters Sister Roseanne Marie IHM, Sister Judith Mary IHM, Rose, Annie and Mary. He attended Most Blessed Sacrament Grade School, West Catholic High School for Boys and University of Pennsylvania.
In high school Frank met the love of his life Helen (Caulfield) and they married at the age of 21. They enjoyed a remarkable 70 years together until Helen’s passing in 2022. Their honeymoon in Miami and the Florida Keys was the first of many vacation experiences as a couple and with family. Destinations included multiple locations “down the shore”, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New England, Nevada, Niagara Falls, North Carolina Outer Banks, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington DC, Wyoming, Bermuda, Canada, France, and the Panama Canal. Casino visits were always popular, in Atlantic City and at the other destinations. Their first home was in Philadelphia, followed by 54 years in Springfield before moving to West Chester.
Frank was employed by Rohm and Haas in Philadelphia for 45 years. He started at the company in high school working part time in the mail room. Upon graduation Frank moved to their Accounting Department and then worked in the Human Resources Department until taking an early retirement in 1993. Frank enjoyed working for Rohm and Haas and was proud of all his accomplishments during his long career with the company.
Frank and Helen were blessed with six children: Frank, the late Gerry (Rita), Laura (Vic), Roseanne (Dave), Joe (Diane) and Walt (Michele). Their children truly appreciate the education and experience opportunities enabled through the efforts and sacrifices of Frank and Helen. Frank also cherished his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Frank never sought recognition or praise for the many ways in which he helped others. He was instrumental in the upbringing and development of his four grandchildren: Ben and Caitlin Herres, and Austin and Dylan Stecklair. He was a long time volunteer with the Boy Scouts leading the Webelos in Cub Pack Number 245 for over 10 years. Many other relatives and friends benefitted from his behind the scenes support.
Frank’s hobbies included watching old movies, time in the sun, and getting together with family and friends. He enjoyed crafts, particularly making Christmas tree ornaments. Each year he would make hundreds of ornaments which he enjoyed gifting to others.
Frank is survived by his children, grandchildren and sister-in-law Joey Caulfield.
While we will miss Frank dearly, we are grateful for God’s gift of him in our lives. He will live on in our hearts, in our minds and through the generous love he bestowed on his family and friends.
The viewing will be held on Thursday, July 31 from 9:30 – 10:45am at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment at Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camilla Hall Convent Home of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mailing information is available at camillahall.org and direct donations can be made at: https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/custom/SIHM/FlexBlockCode/Donation1.cfm?d2org=SRSofIHM&d2tool=donate.
